This past Saturday we finally visited the new Fairhope Brewing Company. Since its soft opening on January 6 and grand opening on February 16, the taproom has been bustling with business from thirsty beer-lovers.

Though the brewery is small and its offerings are few (currently, there are 4 flagship beers on tap), this new establishment fills a deep void here on the Alabama Gulf Coast since Hurricane Brewing Company’s closure several years ago.

FBC operates strictly as a manufacturing brewery, so there’s no food served in-house. The owners encourage their patrons, however, to bring their own food (BYOF) or order to-go meals from neighboring restaurants with delivery service. While this may seem like a setup for disaster (empty stomach + too much beer = ughhh…), it does allow the owners to focus 100% on their craft.

Interestingly, until the Brewery Modernization Act’s passage in 2011, manufacturing breweries were not allowed to offer samples or have on-site taprooms; likewise, brewpubs, operating as restaurants, were not allowed to sell their product for off-premises consumption. Thanks to what’s commonly referred to as the “3-tier system,” FBC and other breweries can legally sell their product in retail establishments but not directly from the brewery. Oh the complexities…

This lovely growler we purchased left the building empty. No worries, though, as we can fill it at a nearby grocery when the mood strikes.

Another fairly recent development—known as the Gourmet Beer Bill in 2009—gives FBC and other breweries the freedom to offer high gravity beers. Though each of FBC’s current offerings measure < 7% ABV, they have the freedom to sell products up to 13.9% ABV. Additionally, should they one-day decide to bottle or can their beer, they’re free to do so in containers measuring up to 25.4 oz (750 ml), thanks to 2012’s Gourmet Bottle Bill.

Craft brewing has made enormous strides in Alabama in the last few years; one last hurdle, however, is legalizing home-brewing. This respectable hobby is illegal in just 2 states: Alabama and Mississippi. Home-brewing legislature nearly passed in 2012; with support in both the House and Senate, hopefully the law will change in 2013.

With all that confusion out of the way, it’s time for the beer!

At the bartender’s suggestion, Mark and I tried the $12 sampler, which includes servings of all 4 brews.

We tasted the selections in the order they were presented and recommended (from left-to-right).

First was the Everyday Ale (3.8% ABV), which is just as the name implies: a simple, but tasty, everyday golden ale. This beer would be perfect for beach-going or beating the heat after some yard work, and I could certainly see this beer taking up residence in our own beer fridge, if the brewers decide to can or bottle in the future.

The Section Street Wheat (5% ABV) was delicious and probably my second-favorite. I’m not often a fan of Belgian-style wheat or hefeweizen; I usually find the finish off-putting, due to what I can best describe as a faux banana-flavoring, à la Runts candy (remember those?). Per their website and an employee’s explanation to me, the German yeast is responsible for the more palatable flavor. I’ll remember that tidbit when confronted with wheat beers in the future!

Next we tried the Fairhope 51 (5.8% ABV), both Mark’s and my favorite. For whatever reason, I’m a huge fan of hoppy beers. This selection was not excessively bitter; it was, however, everything I look for in a pale ale. As mentioned on the website, this recipe is the 51^st entry in one of the brewer’s notebook, hence the name.

We ended our tasting with Painted Black IPA (7% ABV). Based on its coloring, I expected it to have a much greater malt flavor than it did. This style of beer is new to me, and I enjoyed the marriage of toasted malt and piney hops. It was undoubtedly the heaviest and most filling for the 4, but not overwhelmingly so.

[image from FBC’s Facebook]

Though the location is a bit out of the way from our home, you can bet we will return to FBC in the future. Each of the beers had a great flavor, and the couple of owners/operators we spoke to were very enthusiastic about the business. I hope to have the opportunity to sample some of their “Jubilee Series,” which will feature small-batch, pilot brews that will be announced through word of mouth (much like an actual Mobile Bay jubilee).

Part of FBC’s mission, as stated on their website, is to have all craft beer drinkers along the Alabama Gulf Coast think of FBC as their local brewery, and I think they’re well on their way to attaining that goal.